Sullivan To Seek 5th Term

Incumbent Says He Has More To Do

Listing education, economic development and crime as his legislative priorities, state Sen. Kevin B. Sullivan said Thursday he will seek a fifth term representing the 5th District.

Sullivan, a 45-year-old West Hartford Democrat, represents West Hartford, Burlington, Farmington and part of Bloomfield.

Sullivan, chairman of the education committee, said the state's secondary and higher education systems must continue to be improved.

``I think we tried, however imperfectly, to make some changes,'' he said. ``I think we're going to have to try again.''

He pointed to the adoption of a new apprenticeship program in which high school students must complete core classes while working and the state's mastery test program for elementary and middle school students as legislative initiatives of which he is proud.

Sullivan said he also wants to return to the legislature to oversee efforts to make government programs more accountable. Recently passed legislation requires all state departments to analyze their efficiency, he said.

``The measure of an economic development program is how many businesses did you create and sustain, rather than how many grants did you give?'' he said.

The state must also focus more on helping small businesses, Sullivan said.